The Fostering Network is led by a senior leadership team and a board of trustees, with experience across social care, the third sector, business and finance.
Meet the team
Sarah Thomas
Chief Executive Officer
Sarah Thomas
Chief Executive Officer
Sarah was appointed Chief Executive in May 2023, following a successful tenure as our Director for Wales. Prior to joining The Fostering Network, Sarah was the Service Manager at AFA Cymru (formally BAAF Cymru) from 2019 - 2021. A qualified social worker, Sarah’s career has spanned a range of roles supporting vulnerable children and families in Wales, including many within fostering teams where she had the privilege of working closely with some incredible fostering families.
Kathleen Toner
Director of Engagement and Influence
Kathleen Toner
Director of Engagement and Influence
Kathleen joined TFN in 2013, initially as deputy director, before becoming director for Northern Ireland in 2015. Her brief expanded to include UK membership in 2021 and since January 2024, she has been UK director for engagement and influence.
Kathleen has worked in a wide variety of roles in the Third Sector within community services and children’s social care, including NSPCC, Save the Children and Citizen’s Advice, advocating for children to be at the centre of decision making.
Martha Adam-Bushell
Director of Finance and Resources
Martha Adam-Bushell
Director of Finance and Resources
Martha Adam-Bushell joined The Fostering Network in March 2024 as Director of Finance and Resources. She has spent many years working in various business operational functions and leading broad teams of specialists in areas such as Finance, Project Management, Policy Governance and Procurement. Previous roles include Interim Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Director of Strategy, Performance and Assurance at ActionAid UK.
Corrie Bindle
Director of Practice and Innovation
Corrie Bindle
Director of Practice and Innovation
Corrie has recently been appointed as Director of Practice and Innovation and we look forward to her taking up her post later this year.
Our board of trustees
The Fostering Network is a registered charity, governed by a board of trustees, which sets the strategic direction of the organisation.
Our trustees come from all walks of life and all parts of the UK. They have a wide range of skills and talents, enabling them to manage The Fostering Network effectively. They are all passionate about improving foster care for children and young people in the UK, and about the role of The Fostering Network in achieving this.